“It's great to see the Belfast Telegraph taking up our concerns and the concerns of thousands of other parents.

“All the mums I know are pulling their hair out over the |inability of local politicians to move forward on this issue and arrive at a regulated transfer system.

“I have heard arguments from both sides and I understand the difficulties that the parties face, yet I do believe the elected representatives have an immediate responsibility to our children to find a consensus.

“Whether you agree with its abolition or not, the replacement of the 11-plus with two sets of unregulated entrance exams is not ideal to say the least.

“Having said that, the new special consideration arrangements — including additional time for children with special needs sitting the tests — is a step in the right direction and should have been there with the old system.

“But whilst politicians fail to reach agreement, our children bear the brunt and so the current situation is unacceptable.”

She added: “I hope other families, whether they have children of transfer age or not, can be there to support the petition and to send a clear message to the Executive. That’s what we are paying them to do and that’s why I will be there.”

If you would like to join us on Saturday, email ktorney@belfasttelegraph.co.uk